The Astell&Kern SP4000 A&ultima flagship digital player is the result of three years of research. Built on advanced Octa architecture, it became the company's first player on a full Android platform, with the ability to install apps directly and bypass Android OS restrictions using the proprietary Direct Path technology. Thanks to the dedicated digital modulator AK4191EQ and separate DAC AK4499EX, analog and digital processing are separated, reducing noise levels. The parallel configuration of two operational amplifiers provides wide dynamics and rich sound details, while the High Driving mode ensures stable and powerful output even for demanding headphones.
Features:
- AK4191EQ + AK4499EX DAC configuration
- Supports PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, 8GB RAM
- Direct Path / ESA / DAR / VSE proprietary technology
- Octa architecture of signal chains
- 6-inch touchscreen
- Full Android with access to Google Play
- 256GB built-in memory
- microSDXC slot up to 1.5TB
- High Driving mode provides high output power
- Dual operational amplifiers in parallel configuration
- 904L steel body
- Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs
- BT Sink for use as a Bluetooth DAC
- Roon Ready support
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Fast QC 3.0 charging
To increase signal purity, a low-noise LDO stabilizer, borrowed from medicine and telecommunications, is used. The ESA technology synchronizes frequency signals, eliminating distortions and improving time accuracy. The player interface has been updated: album cover animations and the signature Crimson theme make navigation intuitive. The body is made of 904L steel - the same used in luxury watches - and the back panel is covered with ceramic with PVD coating. The package includes a Perlinger leather case made of calf leather, processed without heat treatment, preserving the natural texture.
PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512
The model supports Hi-Res PCM playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, equipped with Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs, as well as BT Sink mode for use as a Bluetooth DAC. It supports Wi-Fi 2.4/5GHz, DLNA, USB-C, fast QC 3.0 charging, and works as a USB DAC. Roon Ready support is planned for the future. Battery life reaches up to 10 hours, with charging taking about 4 hours.
ESA Technology to Minimize Frequency Distortion and Signal Delay
By using the patented ESA technology, the SP4000 significantly improves group delay, which is the time difference required for different frequencies to pass through the internal system. Each frequency reaches the output device at slightly different times, leading to minor delays.
If group delay varies too much depending on frequency, it can affect sound clarity and synchronization. The patented ESA technology used in the SP4000 aligns frequency signals so that they arrive more evenly, minimizing frequency distortion and increasing sound clarity and purity.
SP4000 Power
The SP4000 power block uses a new low-noise regulator that reduces noise levels by 97% compared to previous models. LDO regulators are high-performance components typically used in medical devices and 5G communications equipment. They help stabilize battery voltage and effectively suppress noise, resulting in cleaner sound.
Support for Android OS and Google Play
In response to the growing demand for music streaming, Astell&Kern has integrated full Android OS support into the SP4000, including the ability to install any app through the Google Play Store. To overcome restrictions related to resampling in the Android OS, Astell & Kern's proprietary ADP tuning technology ensures playback accuracy and losslessness even in streaming environments.
The updated user interface of the SP4000 is displayed on the player's 6-inch touchscreen with captivating animations, where illustrations appear and disappear as the user browses through albums. The interface retains Astell&Kern's signature raspberry theme for ease of use and intuitiveness.
Package includes:
- Player
- USB-C cable
- Case
- Manual
